Charles Russell
Actor
About Charles Russell
Charles Russell was an American actor who appeared during the Golden Age of Hollywood, with his only known film credit being the 1946 crime drama 'Behind Green Lights.' As a supporting player in this film noir, Russell portrayed Detective R.J. Hannaberry in a story about police corruption and murder investigations. The film was directed by Otto Brower and produced by 20th Century Fox, typical of the crime dramas that were popular in post-WWII American cinema. Unfortunately, detailed information about Russell's broader career, background, or other potential film work is scarce in historical records, suggesting he may have had a brief tenure in Hollywood or worked primarily in uncredited roles. Like many character actors of the era, his contribution to classic cinema, while limited, represents the ensemble of performers who brought these film noir stories to life and added authenticity to the police procedural elements of the genre.
The Craft
Milestones
- Portrayed Detective R.J. Hannaberry in the film noir 'Behind Green Lights' (1946)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Charles Russell's contribution to classic cinema, though limited to a single known film credit, represents the countless supporting actors who were essential to creating the atmospheric and compelling film noir genre of the 1940s. His appearance in 'Behind Green Lights' places him within the broader context of post-war American cinema, when crime dramas and psychological thrillers reflected the anxieties and moral complexities of the era. The police characters in these films were crucial to establishing the genre's signature tension between law enforcement and criminal elements, and Russell's role as Detective Hannaberry contributed to this dynamic.
Lasting Legacy
Due to the scarcity of information about Charles Russell's career and life, his legacy in film history remains minimal in documented form. However, like many character actors of Golden Age Hollywood, his contribution to the films he appeared in helped create the rich tapestry of classic cinema that continues to be studied and appreciated by film historians and enthusiasts. His work exemplifies how even brief appearances in classic films contribute to the overall impact and authenticity of period cinema.
Who They Inspired
There is no documented evidence of Charles Russell's influence on other actors or filmmakers, likely due to the limited scope of his known film work. However, his participation in a classic film noir places him within the lineage of actors who helped establish the conventions and atmosphere that would influence future generations of crime cinema.
Off Screen
Very limited information is available about Charles Russell's personal life, as he appears to have had a brief or undocumented career in Hollywood. Like many supporting actors of the era who appeared in only one or few films, his biographical details were not extensively documented in film industry records of the time.
Did You Know?
- Charles Russell's only documented film appearance is in 'Behind Green Lights' (1946)
- He played the role of Detective R.J. Hannaberry in the film
- The film he appeared in was a crime drama typical of the film noir genre popular in the 1940s
- 'Behind Green Lights' was directed by Otto Brower and produced by 20th Century Fox
- The film's plot centered on police corruption and murder investigations at a police station
- His co-stars in the film included William Gargan, Carole Landis, and John Ireland
- The film was released on September 2, 1946
- Russell's character was part of the police force central to the film's investigation narrative
- The movie was based on a story by Michael Jacoby and Arnold Phillips
- Like many bit players of the era, Russell received billing in the film but his career appears to have been brief
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Charles Russell?
Charles Russell was an American actor active during the Golden Age of Hollywood, known primarily for his appearance in the 1946 film noir 'Behind Green Lights.' Limited documentation suggests he had a brief career in cinema, with this being his only credited film role where he played Detective R.J. Hannaberry.
What films is Charles Russell best known for?
Charles Russell is known for his single documented film appearance in 'Behind Green Lights' (1946), a crime drama directed by Otto Brower and produced by 20th Century Fox. The film was a classic example of the film noir genre popular in post-WWII American cinema.
When was Charles Russell born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Charles Russell are not available in documented film archives, which is not uncommon for supporting actors with brief careers in classic Hollywood. His only known film work dates from 1946.
What role did Charles Russell play in 'Behind Green Lights'?
In 'Behind Green Lights' (1946), Charles Russell played the character Detective R.J. Hannaberry, a member of the police force central to the film's murder investigation and corruption storyline. His role contributed to the authentic police procedural elements of the film noir.
What was Charles Russell's acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of Charles Russell's work, specific details about his acting style are not available. His appearance in a film noir suggests he was capable of the serious, dramatic performances required by the genre, particularly in portraying a police detective in a corruption thriller.
Was Charles Russell related to other actors with the same name?
Charles Russell who appeared in 'Behind Green Lights' (1946) should not be confused with other actors named Charles Russell, including a more prominent actor born in 1918 who had a more extensive filmography. The Charles Russell from 'Behind Green Lights' had only this single documented film credit.
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Films
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